Title
Discuss current mulching program and feasibility of alternative options.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Roger Neal
BACKGROUND:
The City currently uses The Organic Recycler (TOR) to mulch residential and City-collected brush. The program costs approximately $76,000 annually, including disposal and transportation, and diverts approximately 16,500 cubic yards of brush from the landfill.
A mulching program allows the City to recycle vegetative debris into a reusable resource while supporting sustainable waste management, improving soil health, conserving water, and enhancing parks and landscaped areas.
Staff evaluated alternative mulching operations and reviewed practices used by neighboring entities, including Mesquite and Texas Pure Products. These programs demonstrate potential models involving private grinding contracts, tipping fees, product sales, and partnerships among multiple cities.
Additional waste diversion opportunities include negotiating with Republic Services to prohibit clean brush from entering the landfill and developing a pilot program for separate collection of leaves, grass clippings, and green waste. These options could increase the amount of recyclable and compostable material diverted from the landfill.
DISCUSSION:
The City evaluated three alternatives to its current brush disposal program.
* Option A - Mulching in Farmers Branch: Requires significant capital investment of $1.63 million to $4.35 million and annual operating costs of $193,675 to $243,675. It would allow the City to mulch brush locally but requires industrially zoned property and additional investment for value-added mulch products.
* Option B - Mulching at Camelot Landfill: Requires $450,000 to $550,000 in capital costs and approximately $454,408 in annual operating costs. This option would involve longer transportation distances, increased employee travel time, and additional approvals.
* Option C - Brush Disposal at Camelot Landfill: Has no one-time co...
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